This month’s Daytrippin’ is a trip to Uranus Fudge Factory just east of Saint Robert, Missouri. Located on Route 66 and just off Interstate 44, the fudge factory is your typical roadside attraction, just on a much larger scale. There are multiple things to do, from putt-putt, a homemade ice cream parlor, a playground, a sideshow museum, the General Store, an escape room, and numerous classic vehicles.
The staff is all very helpful and full of Uranus puns from the time you step into the store until you check out; they make their stop worthwhile. Since we were on a car tour, we took a moment to check out the classic vehicles. From a fire truck and double-decker bus to the classic police car and vintage Phillips 66 tank truck, the vehicles make a great place for photo opportunities. The sideshow museum gives you a tour of classic carnival sideshow exhibits. You can take a picture with the World’s largest belt buckle and ever get your fortune told by a vintage Zoltar Fortune-Teller Machine.
The highlight of the trip is the General Store, a large building with plenty of souvenirs for your trip, and the staff welcomes you with a hearty “Welcome to Uranus” as you walk in the door. From shirts and coffee mugs to shot glasses and metal signs, they have everything imaginable with Uranus puns on them. The highlight of the visit was watching the fudge being made. The handmade fudge is produced fresh daily, and the staff is happy to give you a sample to try out before you purchase your fudge. They also have 85 flavors of taffy and plenty of old-fashioned candy to purchase. If candy is not your choice, they have a generous supply of beef jerky.
As a stop during a long trip, the Fudge Factory has a number of activities for the entire family. The escape room is good for a physical adventure game in which players solve a series of puzzles using clues, hints, and strategy to complete the objectives at hand. Players are given a set time limit to unveil the secret plot which is hidden within the rooms. They have a putt-putt course for the family, and the playground is fun for the kids.
A road trip is what you make of it; taking the time to stop and enjoy the local towns and roadside attractions is part of the fun of getting to your destination. Some of the most unique memories can be found by accident. Allow extra time for the drive and enjoy the trip.
